Human Resources Management

DORIS J. STEPHENSON

***** *. ****** ******, ******* Fields, IL 60461, H 708-***-****, ****************@*****.***

Professional Summary

Human Resources Professional with over twenty years of comprehensive human resources experience in

recruitment and retention, conflict resolution, change management, labor relations and benefits

administration. Proven experience collaborating with senior management to conduct human resources

strategic planning in order to support and further corporate goals. Possess broad knowledge of human

resources in a variety of sectors, including union and non-union environments and Fortune 500 companies

with a large number of exempt/non-exempt employees. Demonstrated experience initiating cost

containment strategies resulting in significant savings. Excellent ability to address and implement

strategic plans for talent acquisition, retention, and succession planning. Proven skills in labor and

employment law including complaint investigation to thwart legal action.

Expertise in:

Operations Management Training & Development

Compensation/Benefits Design Harassment/EEO Compliance

Employee Relations Policy Development & Implementation

Workers Compensation Federal, State & Local Employment Regulations

Office Team, Tinley Park, IL Assigned to Village of Riverdale as Human Resources Manager (September

2013 to September 2014) Contract

Responsibilities Include:

Active listening skills and ability to relate to, influence and coach employees at all levels

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Drafted labor contract proposals, 2nd Chair in labor negotiations, and handled 2nd Step Grievances

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Re-wrote 20-year old employee handbook, including revising outdated polices to ensure

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compliance and added new policies to improve morale

Coached and counseled management on conflict resolution, disciplinary procedures, training and

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development

Utilized a variety of methods to generate job applicants, i.e. internet postings, internal and

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external networking, referral programs

Interviewed, performed background and reference checks, drug testing, hired and conducted new

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hire orientation

Entered employee data into HRIS and payroll systems, reviewed and approved exceptions to time

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and attendance.

Cut average cost per hire by 30% and reduced average day-to-fill positions by 45% by partnering

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with workforce development services to provide funding to hire and train entry level and non-

degreed applicants.

Introduced new employee orientation program and individualized training resulting in 97%

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satisfaction record

Conceived, developed and implemented series of HR programs, including comprehensive

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supervisory training, performance based incentives, compensation and employee recognition,

and communication programs

Responded to all allegations of employment discrimination filed at regulatory agencies with

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100% win rate

Managed workers compensation and safety programs;, FMLA, ADA, EEO-1 and OSHA 300

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reporting

Rebuilt benefits program by consolidating providers and renegotiating contracts, achieved savings

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of $185,000 in first year

Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Chicago, IL (January 2013 to July 2013) Contract

Job Search Coach

Counseled/coached employees through job transition in individual sessions as well as on interviewing

techniques and behaviors necessary in conducting effective job search. Followed up on a weekly basis

with counseling sessions.

Directed, coached, motivated and evaluated client job search strategies.

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Integrity Staffing Solutions, Wilmington, DE

Assigned to Chase Bank as a FMLA Case Manager (September 2012 to November 2012) Contract

Managed FMLA request for certification through case closure, responded to employees regarding their

eligibility for FMLA, and partnered with HRBPs to resolve issues surrounding eligibility. Obtained,

reviewed and updated medical documentation supporting request for leave.

Composed and sent communications to employee within federally mandated timeframes.

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Resolved problems within scope of authority.

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Supported all assigned cases by working within set timeframes that met quality assurance

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standards.

Housing Authority of the County of Cook, Chicago, IL

Director of Human Resources (March 2010 to October 2011)

Negotiated and administered two bargaining unit agreements. Re-wrote employee handbook, developed

and implemented policies and procedures, i.e., sexual harassment/hostile work environment, disciplinary

procedures, code of conduct, FMLA and benefits administration. Established pay structure across job

functions.

Responded to and resolved all allegations of employment discrimination and unfair labor

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practices filed by employees with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies with settlement

authority with 100% win rate

Company representative at unemployment hearing, fact findings, mediations, conciliation

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meetings, and workers compensations settlements.

Proactively addressed and resolved union contract issues prior to grievances being filed.

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Developed and implemented employee recognition programs.

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Ensured timely and effective coaching to leaders and associates. Oversaw consistency in

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application of policies and procedures.

Contributed to the development of high-performing workforce by developing leaders’

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competencies in supervisory skills which included coaching and counseling

Strategized and developed recruiting plans to hire staff, i.e., case managers, property managers,

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finance staff, etc. with federal housing experience.

Scheduled pre-employment physicals, drug test and conducted criminal background checks.

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Administered all benefit programs, FMLA, STD, LTD, 401k.

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Managed one direct report.

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Workforce Development Services, Gary, IN

HR Generalist (December 2007 to July 2009)

Worked closely with senior management and board of directors to create a human resources department;

HR policies/procedures, employee handbook, performance review program. Recruited employees as well

as developed orientation, training and incentive programs.

Administered all benefits programs and workers’ compensation; managed HR budget.

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Addressed and resolved all employees issues/complaints filed staff.

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Sourced, interviewed and recommended for hire applicants with social services background to run

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federal programs.

Scheduled pre-employment physicals, drug test and conducted criminal background checks.

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Managed all aspects of day-to-day human resources and operational matters

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Developed and implemented training programs on employment regulations for management and

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supervisory staff.

Provided interpretation and counsel on policies and procedures.

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Company representative at all unemployment hearings.

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Self-Employed, Olympia Fields, IL

HR Consultant, (October 2005 to May 2007)

Held responsibility for contracting with companies to manage employee relations activities, including

counseling and coaching, EEO, FMLA, ADA, FLSA compliance, as well as benefits administration.

Evaluated companies existing policies and programs and made recommendations for improvement and/or

change.

Home Depot, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL

Employee Relations/EEO Specialist (January 1998 to September 2005)

Investigated and responded to approximately 50 allegations of employment discrimination annually for an

eight-state division with 95% “no-cause” determination experience. Serve as company representative at

all administrative hearings, i.e. fact findings, mediations, and conciliation meetings. Expended less that

25% of annual settlement budget of $500,000. Functioned as division mediator. Acted as lead investigator

for high-risk allegations of employment discrimination.

Conducted annual training sessions on federal, state, and local employment regulations for

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management and supervisory personnel.

Developed, implemented and facilitated sexual harassment, hostile work environment training

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programs semi-annually for all management and supervisory personnel.

Coached and counseled management team on disciplinary actions, terminations, union avoidance,

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and other topics as warranted.

Consulted with in-house counsel on high-risk and mixed motive allegations of discrimination.

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Trained store human resources managers on primary human resources functions including

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employment regulations.

Facilitated union avoidance meetings.

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Served as primary contact for outside/in-house counsel and regulatory agencies.

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Investigated and resolved employee Action Line complaints.

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Tracked trends in employee relations matters and ethics concerns and developed employee

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relations strategies.

Managed one direct report.

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Rock-Tenn Manufacturing Company, (Manufacture of folded cartons) Chicago, IL

Human Resources Manager (June 1995 – December 1997)

Primary HR functions, benefits, training and development, safety and workers compensation for a

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three shift manufacturing operations

Negotiation and administration of union contracts, 1st step grievances

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Function as a team leader in change management environment.

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Created companywide job descriptions for all exempt and non-exempt employees

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Conducted supervisory skills training for applicable federal, state and local employee regulations.

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Sourced, recruited, and recommended for hire all categories of employees.

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Two direct reports

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Bloomfield Industries, (Manufacturer of stainless steel restaurant equipment) Chicago, IL

HR Manager, July 1987 to June 1994

Negotiated and administered labor contracts, 1st step grievances,

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Benefits administration, pension plans, 401k, workers compensations, safety initiatives.

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Responsible for sourcing, interviewing and on boarding for new hires,

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Wrote employee handbook, policies and procedures manual

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Partnered with DOL and developed an ESL program for all non-English speaking employees

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Negotiated a reduction in benefit plans from 12 to 7 with a saving of over 40% annually.

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Improved productivity by over 30% annually through development of goals and measurable,

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training of supervision, coordination of union leadership and consistent feedback to employees.

Investigated and responded to all allegations of employment discrimination filed at regulatory

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agencies.

Functioned as team leader on project to change the company cultures.

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Three direct reports.

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Education

IL Substitute Teaching Certificate 2006

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Center for Conflict Resolution, Chicago, IL, Mediation Training 2003

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North Park University, Chicago, IL, BS Organizational Management, 1997

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Affiliations

Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)

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Volunteer Community Relations Commissioner, Olympia Fields, IL

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Computer Skills

HRIS MS Office Suite

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